From humble beginnings to European royalty: Chelsea's ascent at the Euros

Chelsea Football Club, a powerhouse in European club competitions, boasts a surprisingly recent history at the European Championship, also known as the Euros. While the Blues have dominated competitions like the Champions League and Europa League, their presence on the international stage took time to flourish.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming European Championship, EURO 2024 betting odds are already sparking discussions among passionate supporters. This article delves into Chelsea's journey at the Euros, tracing its evolution from a club with minimal representation to a consistent contributor of top talent.

The Euros Before 1996

The European Championship, which began in 1960, saw minimal involvement from Chelsea players for the first three decades. The competition's smaller scale, featuring only four teams until 1980 and eight teams until 1996, limited opportunities for players outside established national powerhouses. Chelsea, still establishing itself as a force in English football, lacked a strong contingent in these early Euros.

Breaking Through: Euro 1996 and Beyond

The Euro 1996 tournament, hosted by England, marked a turning point for Chelsea's Euros story. With the competition expanding to 16 teams, the stage was set for a more diverse range of players. While manager Terry Venables opted against selecting any current Chelsea players for the England squad, the Blues did see representation from four players representing other nations: Scotland's Craig Burley and John Spencer, Romania's Dan Petrescu and Russia's Dmitri Kharine. Unfortunately, none of these players progressed beyond the group stage.

The Rise of the Blues on the International Stage

The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed Chelsea's ascent as a top English club. This success translated to increased representation at the Euros. Players like Graeme Le Saux (England, Euro 2000) and Marcel Desailly (France, Euro 2000) donned the Chelsea blue before featuring prominently on the international stage. However, consistent deep runs in the Euros remained elusive for Chelsea players during this period.

The Golden Era: A Consistent Force (2004-2016)

The arrival of the Roman Abramovich era in 2003 ushered in a period of dominance for Chelsea. This period coincided with a golden generation of English and European talent joining the Blues. The Euros became a showcase for these players, with Chelsea boasting a significant presence throughout several tournaments.

- Euro 2004: England's Frank Lampard and Eidur Gudjohnsen (Iceland) represented their respective nations, with Lampard reaching the quarter-finals.

- Euro 2008: Chelsea's influence grew, with Petr Čech (Czech Republic), Ashley Cole, John Terry and Lampard all featuring for England. They reached the second round.

- Euro 2012: A bittersweet tournament for Chelsea. While the club enjoyed Champions League glory, the core of England's squad, including Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard, fell short in the quarter-finals.

- Euro 2016: With the core of the golden generation ageing, Chelsea's representation dipped slightly. However, Eden Hazard (Belgium) and Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) reached the quarter-finals.

A New Dawn: Continued Euros Presence (2020-Present)

The most recent editions of the Euros have seen a shift in Chelsea's Euros story. While the club no longer boasts a dominant English core, its focus on acquiring young, international talent has ensured continued representation.

- Euro 2020 (played in 2021): Jorginho (Italy), Mason Mount (England), Reece James (England) and Andreas Christensen (Denmark) all participated. Remarkably, Jorginho was a key figure in Italy's triumphant campaign.

- Looking Ahead: With the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, Kai Havertz (Germany), Jorginho and Mateo Kovačić (Croatia) still young, Chelsea's presence at the Euros is likely to remain strong for years to come. After defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off semi-final and then dispatching Iceland 2-1 in the final, Chlesea's #10, Mykhailo Mudryk, will represent Ukraine in their fourth Euros. Ben Chilwell, Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher will hope to lead England to a successful Euros run. Chelsea full-back, Marc Cucurella was called up to the Spain squad for the first time in three years to play in two recent friendlies against Colombia and Brazil. The Chelsea defender is hoping to be named to the squad to vie for the European Championship.

Beyond Numbers: The Euros and the Chelsea Identity

Chelsea's Euros story extends beyond simply counting players. The Euros have been a platform for the Blues to showcase their talent and contribute to their national teams' success. Players like Petr Čech, a legend for both Chelsea and the Czech Republic, have become national heroes. Additionally, the Euros have served as a scouting ground for Chelsea, with talents like Eden Hazard being identified and brought to Stamford Bridge following their Euros performances.

Chelsea's journey in the Euros, from a club with minimal representation to a consistent contributor of top talent, reflects the club's overall growth and ambition. As the Euros continue to evolve, Chelsea's role in the tournament is only likely to become more significant.